Local range has multiple shooting locations separated by woods. Took the 8 month old pup and we just walked between locations through the woods till I judged it was getting too loud for her, then we'd vere off another direction. The near disaster was heading to what we thought was the empty black powder range. Guy setting up with what appeared to be a .50 cal hawkins. We headed off the other way and the loud BLAM was muted enough that she didn't startle at all. The trip was just to get her trained to not worry over fireworks.

The unusual part was I didn't shoot anything. At all. That and the dog was with me. She's loved the hike through the woods, especially ones filled with wildlife- I've seen bobcats and deer multiple times there (and the dog was hitting on what must have been rodents judging by her alert stance) and she now appears to be good to go for the idiots of the 4th of July.

My dog will spot over my shoulder shooting .22 or an AR & try to eat my pistol targets while I'm shooting them, but if she even thinks there might be thunder or fireworks, look out. she sits on my feet so I can't go anywhere & herds me back to bed if I do. All while hyperventilating.

quote:

Originally posted by snidera:
My dog will spot over my shoulder shooting .22 or an AR & try to eat my pistol targets while I'm shooting them, but if she even thinks there might be thunder or fireworks, look out. she sits on my feet so I can't go anywhere & herds me back to bed if I do. All while hyperventilating.

Have you tried a Thundershirt®? I've heard they work wonders.

flashguy

quote:

Have you tried a Thundershirt®? I've heard they work wonders.

It depends. My sister-in-law tried one on theirs (poodle/terrier mix mutt) and it didn't work.

Works with our GSP (yes she's gun shy too). Does not calm her completely but definitely takes the edge off.

Give it a try - if it doesn't work make it a karma on here.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

good idea. I did the same thing with my American Brittany! move closer every few shots until we were on the line and then shoot some targets with the shotgun.

He is pretty fearless but did get scared during a thunderstorm when up stairs. Quieted right down when he came to my bedroom!!!

Sounds like you are doing it right, get them used to Bang stuff when they are young, usually 6 months, and they will never be afraid. Same rule goes with a lot of events in a dogs life.

Strange dogs are- my lab can have a shotgun with 3" magnums shot a few feet over his head without worry but thunder and fireworks freak him totally